2024 East Valley Veterans Parade Service Marshals

We are honored to be joined by our 2024 Marshals as we remember their service and sacrifice, and that of the millions of veterans they represent. We proudly present our 2024 Marshals.
Sergeant Daniel W. Piotrowski
Sergeant Daniel W. PiotrowskiGrand Marshal (Army)

Sergeant Daniel W. Piotrowski’s story is one of unwavering resilience, marked by moments of triumph and profound loss. His journey began in 1990 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, fulfilling a dream he had held since childhood. After graduating from basic training and airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, he joined the elite 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The grueling training he endured as part of the White Falcons, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, would become the foundation for the grit he would rely on throughout his 22-year military career.

By the time of his first deployment, in 2002, Piotrowski was not just a soldier but a husband and father.

He was serving in the Colorado Army National Guard’s 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, when the attacks of September 11, 2001, to Afghanistan, where he faced the daily dangers of landmines and ambushes, all while managing the mental strain of being far from his young daughter. One particular moment in Kabul, when a landmine claimed the life of an interpreter standing near him, haunted him throughout the deployment.

His return home in 2003 was far from a hero’s welcome. Piotrowski came back to a life that had unraveled during his absence—his wife had filed for divorce, and he found himself without a home, a job, or the family he had left behind. Homeless and struggling to make ends meet, he made the difficult decision to reenlist in 2004. This time, the Army sent him to Iraq, where he narrowly survived a devastating explosion on a routine patrol. Shrapnel tore through his body, and in the moments of chaos, all Piotrowski could think of was his daughter back home. He refused to quit, returning to duty as soon as he healed.

As he moved through deployments in South Korea, Germany, and Iraq again, Piotrowski faced ever more challenging missions, including rebuilding communication systems after a massive truck bomb at a combat outpost in Afghanistan in 2011. Despite suffering a concussion in the blast, he worked alongside his communications specialist to restore critical radio and internet services within an hour, an act that helped save lives.

Today, Piotrowski reflects on his service with a mixture of pride and pain. He has built a new life, remarried, and leads a team at American Airlines. Yet the scars of war—both seen and unseen—remain with him. “Despite my life-altering injuries,” he says, “I wouldn’t change anything about my military experience.” His dedication to service continues through his involvement with Mesa Community College’s Center for Community & Civic Engagement and Co-Op Survival, where he supports veterans and military families in navigating their post-service lives.

Through all the challenges he faced—being blown up twice, losing his family, and rebuilding his life—Sergeant Piotrowski embodies the warrior spirit, never giving up on himself or the people he served alongside.

Staff Sergeant Chris Bain
Staff Sergeant Chris BainArmy Marshal

Chris Bain served in the Army from 1993 to 2010 as a Recon Scout with a Chemical identifier. On April 8, 2004, while setting up a raid on the village of Al-Taji, Bain was severely wounded in an ambush orchestrated by their Iraqi interpreter.

Despite intense mortar fire, Bain managed to guide his men to safety and returned to his Humvee, only to be struck by three mortar rounds and shot twice by small arms fire. He awoke 14 days later at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Over the next three years, Bain underwent 23 surgeries to save the function of his arm and hands and agreed to an experimental procedure to retain their use.

During his recovery, Bain and other soldiers facing extended stays at Walter Reed sought an audience with then-President George W. Bush. Their meeting highlighted the issues at Walter Reed, leading to national attention and significant reforms in the care of severely injured service members.

Medically discharged in 2010, Bain shifted his focus to supporting veterans. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Penn State University and currently works as a Telehealth Technology Manager at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System.

Chris and his wife, Misty, have been married for 26 years. Misty, who also served for 11 years, remains in the US Army Reserves. The couple has three adult children: Christopher, Kailey, and Madelyn.

Chris Bain is a Purple Heart recipient whose experiences have made April 8, 2004, a day he will always remember as both the best and worst of his time in Iraq.

Commander Martin Sepulveda
Commander Martin SepulvedaNavy Marshal

Martin Sepulveda is a seventh-generation Arizonan dedicated to serving his country, state, and community. As a combat veteran, successful business owner, community leader, and devoted family man, he embodies commitment to excellence and service.

Sepulveda earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Arizona State University in 1983. He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps and later earned a commission in the US Navy. He transitioned from active duty in 1988 to pursue a civilian career but continued to serve in the Navy Reserve, retiring in 2015 as a Commander. His military career included participation in Desert Storm, the Kosovo Air Campaign, four combat tours in Iraq, and a combat tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Lt. Commander Ellis (Retired) is committed to assisting his fellow veterans and volunteers his time with Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit created in 1920 by World War I veterans for disabled military veterans and their families. For over 10 years he has offered his skills and passion as a volunteer Service Officer for DAV, Chapter 8 in Mesa, Arizona for and says that the Chapter assists between 300-500 veterans a month.

For the younger generation, Lt. Commander Ellis had this to say, “I highly recommend Navy Service and I think that everyone should serve in the military. It will teach you self-discipline, honor and your outlook on life will be forever opened as you travel and serve your country.”

Navy Marshall Carol Ellis

Personnelman First Class, Carol Ellis, joined the Navy in 1982, during a time when women were first being allowed to serve aboard ships. As one of the first female sailors, Carol encountered challenges that tested her strength and endurance. She served with 80 other female sailors aboard ship, paving the way for future female sailors. “It was a challenging time, and it took a lot of strength and courage. It was not fun, but it was necessary. That experience taught me a lot. I was determined to make it through despite the anti-female consensus at the time. I made it through and continued with my Navy career.”

Highlights of her career included attending Personnel Specialist School, serving aboard the USS Dixon, becoming an instructor in San Diego, and being stationed at the Naval Air Stations in Japan and Hawaii. Petty Officer 1st Class Ellis, was on the doorstep of being made Chief, before deciding to retire and enlist in the Naval Reserves, where she served an additional 6 years while raising a family.

For the younger generation, Carol states, “It is very important for women to stand their ground, especially for women in the service. Do not retreat in the face of fear or stigma, and make sure you get the respect that is due you for your hard work and service.”

In addition, Carol is thrilled and excited about Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s appointment to lead the Navy, as she will be the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Committed to the community, Carol also volunteers her time as a Service office with the DAV, Chapter 8, in Gilbert, Arizona and has served in this position for over 10 years. In 2019, she was designated as the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year by DAV, State of Arizona.

HIGHLIGHTS

Navy Marshal Jim Ellis and Navy Marshal Carol Ellis are the East Valley Veterans’ Parade first couple to serve as Marshals! They are both committed to the community and to assisting other Veterans.

Sergeant Jose L. Villezcas
Sergeant Jose L. VillezcasMarine Corps Marshal

Jose L. Villezcas proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E5). As a dedicated Infantryman (MOS 0311) with the 1st Marine Division, 5th Marines, he was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in 2004, where he faced significant challenges, including three IED attacks.

Hailing from Chandler, AZ, Jose graduated from Hamilton High School and left for Marine Corps basic training at Camp Pendleton, CA on graduation night. A notable highlight of his service was his role in the 21-gun salute detail and guarding the casket during Ronald Reagan’s viewing at the Reagan Library in California.

After completing his active duty, Jose transitioned to the Army Reserves as a Military Police Officer, driven by his interest in law enforcement. Currently, he is a Lead Maintenance Specialist for Valley Metro.

Jose is the first in his family to serve in the military and remains close with his fellow Marines from 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, attending reunions regularly. His family includes his children Adelina (17), Luis (11), and Adriel (3). Luis is considering a future in the military, continuing the family legacy.

Colonel Patrick W. Donaldson
Colonel Patrick W. DonaldsonAir Force Marshal

Colonel Patrick W. Donaldson was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, on an ROTC scholarship. After completing nine years of active duty, he returned to Phoenix in 2003 and joined the 161st Air Refueling Wing. In early 2011, he became a full-time pilot with the 161st Operations Group and took command of the 161st Operations Support Flight in September of that year.

He later served as the Commander of the 161st Operations Group before assuming his final assignment as the commander of the 161st Air Refueling Wing, Arizona Air National Guard. In this role, he oversaw more than 800 Airmen and eight KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Goldwater Air National Guard Base. The wing’s mission was to train, equip, and maintain units to meet worldwide requirements, supporting the Air Force’s global reach through rapid mobilization, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and aerial refueling operations for U.S. and partner nation air forces.

Colonel Patrick W. Donaldson was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, on an ROTC scholarship. After completing nine years of active duty, he returned to Phoenix in 2003 and joined the 161st Air Refueling Wing. In early 2011, he became a full-time pilot with the 161st Operations Group and took command of the 161st Operations Support Flight in September of that year.

He later served as the Commander of the 161st Operations Group before assuming his final assignment as the commander of the 161st Air Refueling Wing, Arizona Air National Guard. In this role, he oversaw more than 800 Airmen and eight KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Goldwater Air National Guard Base. The wing’s mission was to train, equip, and maintain units to meet worldwide requirements, supporting the Air Force’s global reach through rapid mobilization, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and aerial refueling operations for U.S. and partner nation air forces.

Petty Officer Third Class Drake Brown
Petty Officer Third Class Drake BrownCoast Guard Marshal

Born and raised in Tucson, AZ, Drake Brown attended Sabino High School. After spending a year at the University of Arizona, he answered the call to serve in the United States Coast Guard, enlisting in 2006. He was assigned as an E-1 fireman to the CGC WHEC 725 Jarvis, a high-endurance cutter based in Honolulu, HI.

During his service, Drake completed five three-month patrols, conducting law enforcement and search and rescue missions in the Bering Sea and near Russia. He was awarded the Coast Guard Accommodation Medal for underway emergency generator repair while at sea, allowing the continuation of the mission without docking.

Drake subsequently trained as an electronics technician at TRACEN Petaluma, where he graduated third in his class. He was then assigned to the Electronics Support Detachment in New Orleans, LA, where he maintained critical maritime equipment in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and assisted with security and investigative operations during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He completed his time with the Coast Guard in 2012 as a Petty Officer Third Class.

Today, Drake lives in Mesa, AZ, with his wife and two daughters. He works in the mental health and substance abuse field, helping veterans overcome personal challenges. He collaborates with community providers to support veterans in thriving on the home front, just as they did in the field.